The massive site has become a symbol of Detroit's decline from an industrial powerhouse. Its removal could become a symbol of local, state and federal authorities working to erase a big problem. Here is a look at the plant and issues affecting the property:

Click yellow markers to reveal information on points of interest.

Scrappers go after steel

With copper and other valuable metals stripped long ago, scrappers now pursue steel. Overhead pipes, shed roofs, structural I beams, entire buildings and a water tower have been taken out in recent years. Many bridges have collapsed, including one that fell over Bellevue  a city street  where the rubble has remained since 2008.

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Illegal trash dumping

Debris, cars, boats and other cast-offs have been dumped illegally in and around the plant for years. In 1998, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality estimated 400,000-500,000 tires had been abandoned at the site. A contractor removed those tires, but since then, many more have been left around the plant.

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Drugs dealt from school

A school across from the Packard Plant was once a haven of drug activity. The president of Bioresource, the company that owns the Packard, used the Emma A. Thomas School, a former elementary school built in 1905, as a base of operations until federal prosecutors accused him of dealing the drug ecstasy there. Dominic Cristini pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute. He was sentenced in 2006 to 70 months in prison and was released from federal custody last year.

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Dozens of fires each year

In the first nine months of 2012 alone, firefighters responded to 59 fires at the plant. Arson plays a big role, as do torch sparks from scrappers. With a dozen or so homeless people calling the place home, fires for warmth during winter can grow out of control.

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Structural weakening

When slightly acidic rainwater drains through cracks in concrete, calcium carbonate is dissolved out of the cement. As the water drips through floors, a small amount of calcium carbonate precipitates out, forming tubes over time that hang from the ceiling. The calcium carbonate also coats the floors. The process further weakens structures.

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Building collapses

Entire buildings have become compromised over time, leading to multiple-story collapses. Without maintenance, cracking begins on the roof during freeze-thaw cycles. When water invades the structure, rust builds on rebar, and the metal expands, causing further concrete cracking within the column supports.

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Nature reclaims roof

Cottonwood trees have colonized the roof of this sprawling complex, some standing more than 30 feet tall. Their roots are well-suited for growing in a shallow environment. Over time, fallen leaves build up a base of soil, allowing other species to take root as well. Grasses, plants, spiders and insects are now a common sight in the maze of rooftop rubble.

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Widespread vandalism

People who live or work in and near the plant say vandalism is a frequent problem. Visitors may return to their vehicles to find the windows broken and their cars ransacked. Employees at the plant's last business and nearby residents say people throw rocks from the top floor of the plant, damaging property and cars. In August, Detroit police were called to the plant after three visitors reported being assaulted. A police spokeswoman said one person was arrested in connection with the assault.